Full time indie dev? Be careful what you wish for...

In this video, I want to share what it's really like going from a hobby game developer to doing it full-time, along with being a YouTuber.

While chasing your dream of making games for a living is exciting, the reality can be pretty different from what you expect. From unpredictable income to juggling marketing and creative work, there are definitely challenges along the way.

But I’m not here to discourage you—just to give you a heads-up! Despite the obstacles, the sense of accomplishment, creative freedom, and the potential to turn game dev into something even bigger are absolutely worth it.

If you're thinking about making the leap to full-time game dev, this video will help you understand what’s ahead, and how to navigate it!

If you're new to our channel, we're Brandon & Nikki from Sasquatch B Studios. We sold our house to start our game studio, and work full time on building our business and making our game Samurado.

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[HopperGameDevelopment]

Not all developers but I find that some, once they become fulltime devs and generating money becomes the main priority, creativity and curiosity starts to take a back seat and only games that are popular matter. I know money is important but it can also be corrupting I feel. That's a potential risk when becoming fulltime dev, at least that's what I've observed.

[pedrohenriquecesargodoi]

I can vouch for that insight, back in 2015 I tried fulltime game dev, in 6 months didn't earn a cent, was strunggling with bills and etc. After another 6 months I had to drop the project and start a dayjob. After 9 years i'm finally back on that project, working on it while I have my dayjob that pay my bills. Nowadays I work from 8 am to 22 pm, It's a sacrifice but its very good feeling to finally work on my project without having to worry about money. Good luck for all indie dev out there!

[alexdacat]

Great video! At the moment I've taken a pause on my Youtube, as I've found I make more money making games for other people. But once it becomes financially possible for me to be a indie game dev/youtuber full time, you know I'll be back! It's all about finding out what works for you, and keeps you happy!

[orlovskyconsulting]

Motivation can take big impact, i dont know how some indie devs get through the valley of despair but it seems corporate environment have more perks in that particular manner.

[ChristianMarcellOliveira]

Hi Brandon, what I realised is that most people that trash talk on you, most likely doing that out of their wish to be doing what you do, so maybe they still working on jobs they don’t like and its easier to sh1t on you than take a action on their lives. I wish u success on the industry and I truly believe that has space and money for all to do a living on it. Some people look at this as a corruption or a “mortal sin”, and believe me, Michelangelo didn’t paint Sistine Chapel as his first work, neither should u, I believe is totally okay to create small projects in order to improve yourself.

[kadagaden]

As a solo dev with no funding at all, it's tough. But I don't want to give up, I want my game out there someday. I might have to scale down my project and simplify it because It takes too much time with my current plans and ideas. As a beginner, I made a mistake by dreaming too big (considering my free time and skills).

[cpykatt]

Thank you so much ❤ as someone who inspire to go full dev this was informative

[Nirioonossian]

Reality is awesome games sell themselves. Maybe a newcomer won't do well the first time around, but indie games are not abhorrently expensive to make and the pie is anything but small. If you keep making bangers, revenue will go up, you will get a big enough slice.

[chibidoragon]

A bit scared right now, I have been doing some part time game development while having a day-time job, but they just told me that I will be let go at the end of the year. So I decided to go full time developer by myself. Bit scared, but also hopeful at the same time.

[EduardKaresli]

I think the first step to game dev, be it for fun or as a career, is to learn using Blender for assets creation. That's the only thing that was always stopping me (aside from not having enough energy to do work outside my day job 😅).

[xdsloth]

what an insightful video :D

Now that I've actually watched the video I can confirm my previous statement. Love to see it!

[Baulers]

5.6% earn over 200k! That’s insane! What other medium could you say that about! That’s an insanely positive stat.

[dougwarner]

Good Points, I thought it was funny when you were talking about money concerns as a full-time game dev and the first thing you listed was your phone bill.

Anway, you've got a lot of guts, or you are very confidence in your abilities; I would never try being a full-time game development Until I had the mechanics of the game down and/ or a polished first stage demo.

like you I am an artist, I would probably use that skill to do some freelance artwork on the side to make a little extra money while doing game development; but I think it would be better to have, at least, a part time job just to have a steady paycheck coming in.

Best of luck on your game.

[levelupwithsam]

Great points, I think Phil Fish was a victim of the internet criticism mob. Cool dude, cool game, and then went full hermit because of all the hate.

[DonutFriends]

I saved some money so I can work more on my games. I don't expect a huge hit but I'm giving my best 😂

[Doktati]

Crazy to think you can earn a living from this.

[revfromlvd]

This guy is a grifter, what game has he made to be able to give advice like this? none